Books are undeniably wonderful, but let's face it—they can be space hogs. If you're lucky enough to have room for a home library, congratulations! For the rest of us, a reading tablet is a fantastic solution. While you might miss the tactile pleasure of flipping pages, the convenience and accessibility of a digital library are unmatched. Plus, you can enjoy free books from the comfort of your home without the clutter. To help you enjoy reading anywhere, we've selected some of the best tablets available.
TL;DR - These Are the Best Tablets to Read on:
Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
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### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
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### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
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### OnePlus Pad 2
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### Kobo Libra Colour
0See it at AmazonReading tablets come in various forms, each with unique features. E-readers like our top pick, the Kindle Paperwhite, are designed specifically for books, mimicking the look of paper with their e-ink displays. These devices are streamlined for reading, so don't expect to use them for social media or streaming. On the other hand, general-purpose tablets like the iPad Mini offer a broader range of functions but might strain your eyes more and have shorter battery life. For those who enjoy annotating their books, devices like the Kobo Libra Colour offer notetaking capabilities. Choosing the right tablet depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Kindle Paperwhite
The Best Kindle and Best Reading Tablet
Our Top Pick### Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
0The Kindle Paperwhite offers a reading experience that closely resembles a physical book, complete with a backlight and numerous useful features. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size7" E InkScreen resolution300ppiFront light19 LEDsStorage16GBBattery12 weeksDimensions5" x 7" x 0.3"Weight211gPROSGreat battery lifeWater-resistantCONSPlastic buildIf your primary goal is to read, the Kindle Paperwhite is the best tablet for you. It keeps things simple, focusing solely on reading without the distractions of colorful screens, stylus support, or app notifications. The e-reader's display is designed to prevent eye strain and conserve battery life.
The latest Kindle Paperwhite features a slightly larger 7-inch e-ink display with a 300ppi resolution that reduces blue light and glare. It includes a new thin-film transistor for improved contrast, and 19 LEDs around the screen ensure readability in various lighting conditions, from sunny beaches to dim tents. You can easily adjust the warm backlight for darker environments, but for automatic adjustments and additional enhancements, consider the Kindle Paperwhite Signature.
Performance-wise, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a 20% boost over its predecessor, ensuring quick page turns and smooth navigation through your library. With 16GB of storage, you can store thousands of books, and cloud storage is available for audiobooks. Additional features include customizable text and font sizes, an easy-to-use dictionary, and compatibility with Libby, although you'll need to send borrowed books to your Kindle from another device.
The Kindle Paperwhite's plastic build keeps it thin and lightweight, preventing arm and wrist fatigue. Despite its seemingly fragile design, it's sturdy and waterproof. With a remarkable 12-week battery life from a 2.5-hour charge, it's clear why this is our top Kindle choice.
iPad Mini (7th Gen)
Best iPad for Reading
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
0This compact iPad weighs just over half a pound and features a vibrant 8.3-inch display, making it an excellent choice for handheld reading. See it at AmazonSee it at AppleSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen size8.3” Liquid Retina IPSScreen resolution326 ppiFront lightN/AStorage128GB, 256GB, 512GBBattery10 hoursDimensions7.69” x 5.3” x 0.25”Weight293gPROSFantastic displayCompact and portableCONSScreen glare due to glossy screenMost Apple iPads feature large displays, which can be cumbersome for avid readers. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch screen, strikes the perfect balance—similar in size to a paperback and weighing just 10.4oz. It's easy to carry and comfortable to hold in one hand, yet it retains all the capabilities of larger iPad models.
The iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display is a standout, with adjustable brightness and True Tone technology for a comfortable reading experience. However, be aware of potential glare from the glossy screen. Adding an Apple Pencil allows for easy annotations. While the vibrant screen is great, it consumes battery faster than e-ink displays, offering only 10 hours of life.
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPad Mini delivers smooth performance for reading apps like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, comiXology, Libby, and Scribd. It also handles other tasks like social media and streaming effortlessly.
iPad Pro 2024 – Photos
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3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
Best Tablet for Reading Comics and Manga
### Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
0With its Apple M4 processor and OLED display, the iPad Pro is the ultimate premium tablet from Apple. See it at AmazonSee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen size11-inch, 13-inchScreen resolution264 ppiFront lightN/AStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TBBattery10 hoursDimensions9.74" x 7.02" x 0.23", 11.09" x 8.48" x 0.20" Weight444g, 582gPROSStunning OLED displayPowerful Apple M4 processorCONSOverkill for some usersFor those immersed in the world of comics or aspiring to create their own, the iPad Pro is the top choice. Despite its large 11-inch or 13-inch display, it remains slim and lightweight.
The iPad Pro's OLED display is a first for iPads, delivering vivid colors and excellent contrast that make images pop. In IGN's review, Jackie Thomas praised the display while reading Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
Powered by the M4 processor, the iPad Pro handles demanding tasks like gaming and design with ease, thanks to its 8GB GPU. Creatives will find it an ideal tool for crafting comics or graphic novels. The Apple Pencil Pro support enhances artistic work, and adding a keyboard transforms it into a laptop replacement, though the cost can add up quickly.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
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4. OnePlus Pad 2
Best Android Tablet for Reading
### OnePlus Pad 2
0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance, a smooth and elegant display, and overall superior quality. See it at OnePlusProduct SpecificationsScreen size12.1”Screen resolution303ppiFront lightN/AStorage256GBBattery12 hoursDimensions10.6" x 7.7" x 0.26"Weight584gPROSAmple storage80W fast charging supportCONSHeavier than other tabletsOnePlus, known for its impressive smartphones, also offers a top-notch reading tablet. The OnePlus Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch, 3K display with 10-bit color depth and HDR support, making it crisp, vibrant, and clear. Our hands-on review confirmed its visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 2 performs as well as the best Android tablets. Page turns and app switching are smooth, and 256GB of storage allows for a vast digital library. The included AI toolbox can summarize articles or assist with writing, and stylus support enables easy annotations.
While its weight might make one-handed use uncomfortable, the tablet's 9,510mAh battery lasts up to 12 hours. With 80W charging support, it can be fully charged in less than 75 minutes.
Kobo Libra Colour
Best Reading and Writing Tablet
### Kobo Libra Colour
0This colorful, lightweight e-reader is easy to view and supports stylus use. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size7” E-Ink Kaleido 3Screen resolution300ppi (black and white), 150ppi (color)Front lightYesStorage32GBBattery40 daysDimensions6.34 x 5.69 x 0.33Weight201gPROSColorful e-Ink display for easy viewingStylus support for note-takingCONSOnly good for reading and writingThe Kobo Libra Colour rivals Amazon's Kindle lineup with its 7-inch E-Ink Kaleido 3 display, offering a 300ppi resolution in black and white and 150ppi in color. The colors are more subdued, resembling newspaper print, which makes it ideal for reading comics and graphic novels with minimal glare in sunlight. The ComfortLight Pro ensures a comfortable reading experience in darker settings and reduces blue light.
Powered by a dual-core 2.0GHz processor, the Kobo Libra Colour offers responsive performance for reading and note-taking. Its integration with the OverDrive library is a significant advantage. However, it's designed solely for reading and writing, without the capability for social media or email.
The Kobo Libra Colour supports writing with the Kobo Stylus 2, allowing you to annotate books and highlight passages with a finger. It also offers various notebooks for jotting down notes and sketching, with some even converting handwriting to text. For a larger display, consider the Kobo Elipsa 2E, a grayscale alternative.
How to Choose the Best Reading Tablet
Selecting the perfect reading tablet involves considering several factors tailored to your reading habits. Whether you enjoy fiction, need to review textbooks, or manage work-related PDFs, the right tablet can enhance your reading experience significantly.
Display quality is crucial, as your eyes will be focused on it for extended periods. Features like blue light reduction or e-ink technology, which mimics paper, can minimize eye strain. E-ink screens are gentler on the eyes, while LCDs offer more versatility for multiple uses.
Battery life is another essential aspect, especially if you're on the go. A tablet with long battery life ensures uninterrupted reading without the need to constantly find a power source.
Finally, consider the size and weight of the tablet, as these factors affect comfort during long reading sessions. Larger screens can be more immersive, but they should remain portable and easy to handle, ideally with a lightweight and slim design.
Best Tablets for Reading FAQ
What is the best tablet for reading according to Reddit?
Reddit users on the r/androidtablets subreddit often recommend the Aldocube 50 Mini and Mini Pro for their lightweight design and suitable screen size for reading. Some also suggest the Barnes & Noble Nook for its e-paper technology, which closely resembles reading a physical book.
Are tablets good for reading books?
Yes, tablets are excellent for reading books, though standard LCD screens may cause more eye strain than e-ink models. Keep in mind that most tablets have shorter battery life than e-readers like the Kindle, due to their more demanding hardware.
What is the best tablet for reading outside?
For outdoor reading, the Kindle Paperwhite is ideal. Its e-ink display resembles printed paper, reducing glare, eye strain, and battery consumption compared to LCD screens. It's also IPX8 water-resistant, making it perfect for poolside or rainy conditions.
